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A South African diamond dealer who was arrested at the Harare International Airport on his way to South Africa with six pieces of diamonds concealed in his undergarment has appeared in court. Johannes Jakobus Prinsloo (50) of number 237 Emerald Way Kameeldrift, Pretoria in South Africa appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Elijah Makomo.
Prinsloo was remanded in custody to today for bail hearing. He is facing a charge of contravening Section 182 of the Customs and Excise Act Chapter 23:02, smuggling diamonds. Prosecutor Mr Tungamirai Chakurira alleges that on October 10, detectives received information to the effect that Prinsloo was in possession of diamonds. It is alleged that his intention was to smuggle the precious stones to South Africa via the Harare International Airport.
The police followed up and Prinsloo was spotted in the departure lounge on his way to South Africa. It is the State case that he had gone through all the check-in formalities and was about to board a plane.
Prinsloo was taken to the Border Control Unit office where he was searched and found with six pieces of rough diamonds hidden in his undergarment, the court heard. The diamonds were concealed in two white papers in his underpants. Investigations reportedly revealed that Prinsloo is a licensed diamond dealer with South Africa.
His visit to Zimbabwe was to facilitate a deal with the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, the court heard.
The diamonds were valued at US$20 934.
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